The best adventure races in Australia

The X-Marathon 2024 was more than just a race—it was an epic journey of endurance, grit, and sheer determination. Set against the stunning yet unforgiving backdrop of Lake Macquarie, teams faced 26 hours of relentless challenges that demanded sharp navigation and strategic brilliance. It was a true 'thinker's race,' where every decision counted, and every route could make or break their success.

Lake Macquarie, a jewel of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, is gearing up to host the prestigious X-Marathon Adventure Race, the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) Oceania Championship. Scheduled for 24-25 August, this event promises to be an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike.

My birthday present for this year is a RaidLight 24L Legend backpack (all my ten old backpacks got seriously old) and a race entry to the Total Recon Adventure Race in Murray’s Bridge, SA. I’ve asked around to old mates I used to race with, and we’ve got a super team - me, Tim Boote, Jarad Kohlar, and Sorcha Flett from NSW Gosford, VIC Wodonga, VIC Torquey, and TAS Launceston.

The first Sprint Series Adventure Race of the 2024 season kicked off on a beautiful Sunday morning set against the stunning backdrop of Tomakin Batemans Bay in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast. With pleasant temperatures in the low 20s, blue skies, and sunshine, the stage was set for an unforgettable adventure.

The adventure of a lifetime, the beauty of coastal landscapes, and the spirit of diversity come together as the X-Marathon Adventure Race finds its new home in the heart of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. Under the stewardship of passionate race directors Serge and Maria, this year's event promises an unparalleled experience for adventure enthusiasts of all levels.

Are you ready to embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey that combines the thrill of competition with the breathtaking landscapes of Australia? Look no further than the Sprint Series Adventure Races, a series of three exhilarating events that promise an unforgettable experience for seasoned adventure racers and enthusiastic newcomers alike.

An epic adventure unfolded at the Sprint Series Adventure Race in Fingal Bay, Port Stephens, exhilarating participants, and spectators. This thrilling edition of the race took teams on a captivating journey through the scenic wonders of Tomaree National Park, Fingal Beach, and Shoal Bay. 

Maintaining physical fitness and overall health can be a formidable challenge in a world filled with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and demanding schedules. Many of us need help finding the motivation and excitement necessary to stay active. However, there is a solution combining physical activity, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and a lot of fun – adventure racing. This article will explore the benefits of entering an adventure race as a powerful motivator to stay physically active, maintain fitness, and improve overall health.

The first two finished within 1 minute of each other at the end of a 200 km course in this weekend’s adventure race, Alpine Quest.

Over 11-13 November, teams of four packrafted, trekked and mountain biked their way through Australia’s toughest 48 hour course, set in the mountainous Omeo region of East Gippsland. 

Our team name is Alpine Quest.. We used to be fit and strong, but time flies way too quickly

Years  of complete give up on training do not help in racing. My name is Serge aka ‘Wobbly Fat’, and my mischief partner is Josh, the “Broken Rib”.

The first NSW Sprint Series Adventure Race was held in Fingal Bay on the 21^st of August The beginner-friendly adventure race which was started by Adventure Junkie team in 2012 has grown continuously and this year it did another big move – established this event in a brand new location in the North coast of NSW.

“I think one of the reasons the event received so much support is that it is a new location, this year it’s a new challenge in different environments”.

"Now that I’ve browsed the AFR (a breakfast routine hangover from COVID) it’s time to write about perfection. I’ve been avoiding this for two weeks as the storyline hasn’t evolved in my head beyond one word ‘flow’. The story unfolds in Paynesville, Gippsland during X-Marathon Nargun and the Lakes Edition 2021."- Eibhlin Fletcher, team BUFFalos, second place finisher. 

Eibhlin is a leadership and team coach, and founder of Get A Grip of the Grind. She’s an avid adventure racer and endurance athlete that uses her experiences to enhance the performance of leaders and teams. You can find out more about Eibhlin and Get A Grip of the Grind (the annual festival is coming up in February 2022 in Bright, NE Victoria) here>>

X-Marathon is an expedition adventure race that will change your life!

Each team is comprised of four competitors which will be racing against the clock through the East Gippsland’s most remote backcountry terrain exploring the Victorian largest free flowing river, the biggest inland lakes system, untouched rainforests and mystical legends.

After restrictions finally lifted, teams were at last able to get a much needed challenge that took them on a voyage through the wilderness of East Gippsland. With all regions subject to various stages of lockdown and restrictions due to the pandemic, not all teams were able to participate, but the race was still a welcome relief for everyone that was able to, and eager for a challenge.

With this week’s announcement from the Victorian and NSW  Governments giving the events green light to proceed, we can't wait to welcome you back to the adventures as we come out of lockdown.

We encourage anyone with a craving for fresh air, great company, racing excitement to join us again and experience the friendly social atmosphere, scenic terrain and magical wilderness together!

The 2019 edition was the most competitive in the history of the event, especially in the women's field. The Solo categories were taken out by Nathan Stewart from Newcastle and Elizabeth Dornom from Melbourne. They both took an early lead and while Liz was pushed by her sister Bern all the way and successfully maintained her first position, Nathan had a strong ride and run leg coming into the paddle with a significant advantage but nearly lost it having difficulties to navigate the kayaking leg.  Numerous battles were happening for the 2nd and 3rd position during the course. Angus Rodwell and Josh Roy demonstrated outstanding paddle times and got on the podium racing flat out on the last section of the course.

Once again we’re back, with introduction of disciplines you will endeavour during X-Marathon 2019. 

We’re excited to announce the course has been fully checked, double-checked and all the details are almost finalised and ready to be presented. So expect all updates to be sent out during September, with the registration deadline being the 1^stof October. 

The second discipline to be introduced is packrafting - this is only included in the Full course. The Half course teams will miss out on this one.

Have you contemplated the challenge of doing an off-road Multisport race, but the thought of giving up all your free time for training holds you back? Or perhaps, you’re an experienced triathlete, having completed many different triathlon races but lack off-road skills?

We have designed a simple training plan for people who don’t have much spare time, but want to complete the Baw Baw Extreme course without illness or injury. It’s not suited to beginner endurance athletes, but more for beginner Multisport athletes.

Registrations are well under way for X-Marathon 2021, Nargun and the Lakes edition. Two epic courses (Full and Half) have been designed to accommodate all levels of adventurers. Both courses have 36 hours cut-off times with the Full course the more technical, being more physically and navigationally demanding. The winners are expected to finish within 24 hours

Teams will navigate through challenging terrain between checkpoints using only maps supplied by race organisers and compass. You won’t be totally on your own as spectators will be able to follow each team on-line via a live tracking system that will showcase all teams’ progress during the event.

Adventure Cup races – Victorian Calendar 2019/2020. As in the innaguaral 2018-2019 season, there are three events included. The final brand new event, Baw Baw Extreme, will offer double points, and is considered the Championship event. Ready to choose your challenge?

• Upper Murray Challenge - 5^th of October 2019
• East Gippsland Challenge - 30^th of November 2019
• Baw Baw Extreme - 17-19^th April 2020 - the Championship event with double points

Give yourself a goal and commit to the Adventure.